Migraine
A migraine is a primary type of headache that can often be described as severe pounding, throbbing pain. The pain is moderate to severe and can last from four hours to three days if left untreated. It can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities. The pain can be associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Several environmental factors such as dehydration, skipped meals, sleep disruption, hormone fluctuations, and exposure to chemicals could trigger a migraine headache. Migraine attacks can also be associated with a problem in the electrical impulses within the nervous system, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Stressful events can lead to an increase in attack frequency. If migraine attacks happen frequently, the migraine is defined as Chronic Daily Headache
An aura is a warning symptom that people usually experience with migraine headaches. It can occur before or with the headache and can include visual disturbances, such as a light, blind spots, tingling on one side of the face or arm, and difficulty speaking.
Some other symptoms of a migraine headache include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach or belly pain
- Blurry vision
- Feeling dizzy
When to see a doctor
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help prevent some migraines and make them less painful. Combining the right medicines with self-help remedies might help relieve symptoms.
Some Doctors prescribe Triptans if the over-the-counter medicines don’t reduce your migraine pain during an attack. Triptans are drugs that decrease inflammation and change the flow of the blood in your brain. Occipital Nerve stimulation or Neuromodulation promising results in the treatment of severe migraines.
Keeping a record of your migraine attacks and how you treated them is essential. Careful assessment and proper diagnosis from your doctor are crucial because more than one problem could be contributed to a migraine headache. Inform your doctor if the pattern of your headaches changes or your headaches suddenly feel different. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss further treatment.
Below are some indicators of more of a serious problem. See you’re your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you have any of the signs and symptoms:
- Abrupt, severe headache
- Headache with fever, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness in any part of the body.
- Headache after a head injury
- A headache that is worse after exertion, coughing, straining or a sudden movement
- New headache pain after the age of 50
Disclaimer
The contents contained within this page are not a substitute for health professionals’ advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise that you seek advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner. We fully disclose that any surgical or invasive procedures come with risks.
For more details on how to relieve or treat chronic pain, you can reach out to one of our pain specialists at any of our pain care clinic locations. We establish a caring relationship and provide patients with pain relief when needed the most.